Feast of St. John, Apostle and evangelist

Today's Mass Readings

The arrival of Apostles Peter and John at the Empty Tomb on Easter morning represents two forms of the Church. St. John is the Mystical Church that arrives at the tomb first, but does not go inside – it sees the mystery glimpsed from afar. In contrast, the Hierarchical Church is represented by Peter who comes to the tomb slower, but deliberately goes in to investigate the concrete details. Both are necessary in the life of the Church’s prayer and teaching of the Faith.

Indeed, St. John’s Gospel and letters are known for their high theology. At the same time, he talks plainly about the physical reality of the Incarnation and Resurrection. The Good News is that God has a face; God has a breast upon which one may affectionately rest; God’s words are not mediated through seers but are mingled with mundane words so that they somehow have greater resonance when spoken to His beloved disciples. As John put it: “Beloved: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands, concerns the Word of life – for the life was made visible; we have seen and testify to it.”

How do I mystically come to experience this reality of God made flesh, who died and rose again? I can do that through the Sacraments. I cannot touch, taste, hear, smell, or see grace, but I can do all those with a sacrament. I know that Almighty God is present to me everywhere, especially in my heart. Yet when I go to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, I can lean my head on His breast. When I celebrate Eucharist, I hear Him speak to me and I am surrounded in an embrace by His Body as He simultaneously becomes my nourishment. There, I see and believe.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB